Pubdate: Tue, 27 Jan 2004
Source: Pensacola News Journal (FL)
Copyright: 2004 The Pensacola News Journal
Contact:  http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1675
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n000/a416.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Operation+Sandshaker

RAILROADED

I am shocked and appalled over the "Operation Sandshaker"
calamity.

After a three-year investigation and an enormous amount of money
spent, very little drugs, money or weapons were confiscated. Everyday
working-class citizens are being showcased in the media and
prosecuted by overzealous lawyers, trying to make headline news. Why
is it so important to have local prominent citizens of this community
facing the maximum amount of punishment prescribed by the law? How
does this help our community or better our society? Why have hard-core
criminals, murderers, child molesters, thieves and rapists behind bars
when we can have nonviolent, upper middle class, regular people
filling the cells?

The latest news article that I read, "In state court, defendants
charged with low-level drug offenses often avoid time behind bars by
being admitted to pretrial intervention or drug court programs that
focus more on rehabilitation than punishment." Curtis Golden announced
this will not be the case for those involved in Operation Sandshaker.
Isn't this discrimination?

Citizens of this community who are an asset and who contribute to our
economy are being railroaded and harassed.

Robin Blake, Palmdale, Calif.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake